Odor Returns, Profar Stays With Rangers

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ARLINGTON, TX - JUNE 03: Jurickson Profar #19 of the Texas Rangers hits in the a solo home run in the fourth inning against the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Park in Arlington on June 3, 2016 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Rick Yeatts/Getty Images)

There were a lot of questions going into tonight’s game against the Mariners concerning what the Rangers lineup would look like now that second baseman Rougned Odor’s seven-game suspension is over. His replacement, Jurickson Profar, has been hot at the plate and solid in the field. So what would happen? Would Profar get sent back to Triple-A Round Rock?

Turns out that Profar stays for now, infielder Hanser Alberto was instead optioned to Round Rock. It's an interesting move here as Profar will hit leadoff as the DH while Odor returns to second and hits fifth. Prince Fielder has the night off.

During his seven-game stretch since being called up, Profar is hitting .364 with two home runs. He’s hit safely in all seven games. On the other hand, Fielder continues to struggle at the plate, hitting at a .187 clip with just three home runs.

Problem solved? Well, for tonight at least. There’s been plenty of debate on what to do with Profar once Odor returned since there are just not enough spots in the infield for both. Adrian Beltre and his four Gold Glove awards have third base covered, Elvis Andrus and his contract isn’t going anywhere at shortstop.

So what about tomorrow? The Rangers will wait to cross that bridge once the time comes.

First pitch is scheduled for 8:05 p.m. at Globe Life Park in Arlington. The Rangers hold a one-game lead over the Mariners for first place in the A.L. West.

Other roster moves:

The Rangers recalled RHP Tom Wilhelmsen from Round Rock. Wilhelmsen will be in the bullpen tonight. RHP Nick Tepesch has requested and been granted his release. Tepesch has spent the entire season in Round Rock, where he was 4-2 with a 4.11 ERA in 11 games.